Home > Health and maintenance > Improve health > Restrict access
Restrict access
About half of
the root system is under the canopy of the tree. The other half is outside
the edge of the branches. Restrict access to the root system by planting ground
covers (right photo), building low walls, or installing fences (left photo)
around the root system. This keeps people and machinery off of the soil under
the canopy. People and machinery compact soil making it difficult for air to
penetrate the soil. Low oxygen concentrations in soil and hard soil result in
poor tree root growth.
Machinery operating under the canopy can injure roots, cut roots, and cause irreparable
trunk injury if allowed to drive under the canopy. Construct a secure strong
fence at the edge of the canopy to prevent any vehicles from operating under
the canopy. This typically saves enough roots for a mature tree to survive the
construction process provided the tree is cared for appropriate in subsequent
years. This includes hiring a consulting arborist that understands how to manage
and execute an irrigation, mulch, fertilization, and pruning program.
